If Medicare insurance runs out or is not sufficient to meet the medical or daily care needs of an individual, Medicaid may be available. Medicaid is a Federal Government program now administered by states but funded by both Federal and state support. Like most government-oriented programs, the bureaucratic process of application is daunting and complex. It is not recommended that an individual undertake this process on their own.

Qualification for Medicaid has several criteria. Here are the basics:
" Level of Care: 65 years old and require assistance with one or more "Activities of Daily Living."
" Income: Applicant's gross monthly income can not exceed $2,022 per month. You can use a "Medicaid Miller Trust" and/or a spousal allocation to get down to the maximum.
" Resources: With the exception of household goods, a $1,500 burial fund, a plot/casket/marker, and one car, an applicant may not have resources that exceed $2,000.

"Resources" is the category that needs the most planning and strategy in order to meet qualifications. Real property that has been occupied as a principle residence may be excluded, but only if it is not held in a trust. Medicaid also has a "look back" period of five years that can be used to disqualify applicants who have transferred assets in order to qualify.

These qualifications are subject to various exceptions depending on marriage and the disposition of the other spouse. The key is to plan before application.